Monday, 22 October 2012

The Start of my Next Big Sewing Adventure...

Now this story starts with two things: a pattern and some fabric. Let's start with the fabric...

Pretty Plaid!

During my time travelling about the UK and Ireland on tour I was lucky enough to visit the gorgeous city of Edinburgh. During my time there I was lucky enough to meet to the lovely Debi who took me on a trip to Edinburgh fabrics where I purchased some of the most beautiful plaid wool in the world. This took place in November last year, almost a year ago, and I still haven't used the fabric. Now that I find myself at a loose end (read: unemployed!) I thought it was about time that I did this fabulous fabric some justice, it was time for some serious tailoring!

And so we move on to the pattern. During my recent move into a smaller home I was forced to sort through my rather excessive collection of vintage patterns, not a small task but one I was very happy to undergo, because during my search I unearthed this beauty:

Swoon-worthy pattern :)

I must admit my heart skipped a beat and I knew that my fabric had found it's pattern soulmate. Now I only purchased 3 metres of the plaid, so I knew I wouldn't have enough for the cape/dress combo from the pattern, but I was mostly in love with the cape and knew that I would have enough fabric for a cape/pencil skirt combo, so all was well (for those of you who are interested I will be using Gertie's Pencil Skirt Pattern from her New Book for Better Sewing). Or so I thought...

I hadn't opened the pattern since I bought it at a Vintage Fair a few years ago, and when I finally did, quelle horreur! There were no pattern instructions!!! I was very disappointed I must admit. Every item of clothing I have ever made, from a simple dress to a full on coat I have always followed instructions pretty much to the letter and I have a great fear of doing something wrong. I have never just "winged" a project as I always think what's the point in spending money on beautiful supplies and then ruining them with my lack of skills? And then I got to thinking about my sewing skills and everything that I have learnt about sewing since I started to make my own clothes and I realised that thinking I have a "lack of skills" is really ridiculous. I have learnt so much and tried out so many different techniques over the past (almost) two years that I'm actually quite knowledgeable on the subject. OK, I may have never been to any classes or courses but that doesn't mean that I can't turn out what I consider to be a pretty topnotch piece of clothing with a professional finish. So what was I worrying about really? Yes, a cape is something I haven't made before, but I've made a coat before and how much harder than a coat is a cape? So my mind was set: I'm going to make the cape on my own, without any instructions or guidance. This is me winging it.

I can't wait to get started!

So there you have it my lovely readers, that start of my next big sewing adventure! I know that whatever help I need I will be able to find somewhere on the big wide blogosphere, so let's see what happens when I really trust the skills I have learnt on my sewing journey so far and properly put them into practise!

Hi Katie, I just stumbled across this, and your finished cape looks amazing!! I have this pattern, uncut and factory folded - do you think you'll make it again and want the instructions? Or want the instructions for the dress for another time? Would be happy to scan them and email to you.

About Me

Welcome to the world of "The Little Red Squirrel"! A year ago I gave up buying new clothes in favour of making my own or buying second hand. Join me as I continue in my adventures to build a handmade, home-sewn, vintage life.